CHILDREN and novices may no longer be able to participate in outrigging if a Waratah-Wynyard Council decision holds.

The recent Waratah-Wynyard Council decision may force the Cradle Coast Outrigger Canoe Club to move its launching position to the beach or further up the Cam River from a concrete boat ramp.

Cradle Coast Outrigging Canoe Club president Grant Howe, who was left in the dark in the discussions leading up to the decision due to a club restructure, expressed his concern that both options were unsafe for juniors and novices.

"By the laws of our association, we can't let juniors and novices launch into the ocean, it is a part of our duty of care as a club," Mr Howe said.

The canoes, which the council has asked the club to move, are called OC6s, which are 14 metres long and weigh 150 kilograms.

"Novices must prove they are competent before going into the ocean," Mr Howe said.

"Otherwise they could roll in the surf."

The boat ramp also concerned Mr Howe as it is made of concrete, it is steep and it is slippery.

"Our canoes are 14 metres long and it's impossible for children novices, community groups and schools to safely launch and retrieve them," Mr Howe said.

"It would be very easy for someone to slip and fall and the consequences of that could be serious.

"The only safe place to launch an OC6 is from where we are currently launching," Mr Howe said.

Mr Howe said the club was fearful a move would shut down the novice and junior programs.

The outrigging club is disappointed by the potential move, as a number of its juniors are national champions and have the Australian titles coming up.

"As a club, we rank number two behind Mooloolaba, and we have a membership of 39 and they have a membership base of 200," Mr Howe said.

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said the council officers plan to meet with representatives of the Cradle Coast Outrigger Canoe Club next week.

"It is important to remember that council considered the mixed uses of the Cam River Reserve, including vehicle access, parking, public safety and security and other matters when coming to its decision, however, we want to ensure that no one is adversely impacted at the same time."